Authored by LegalMatch Law Library Managing Editor, Ken LaMance, Attorney at Law

A Criminal Lawyer or Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You

Criminal Law

Criminal Law is a field of law that deals exclusively with criminal sentencing and criminal punishments. The law practice of a criminal defense attorney usually specializes in two categories of crimes: misdemeanors or lesser crimes, and felonies, or greater crimes. Individuals accused of criminal activity (even first time offenders) should consult with a criminal lawyer or defense attorney as soon as possible.

Felonies

Felony lawyers deal with felonies—the most serious crimes committable under criminal law. Murder, rape, drug trafficking, child abuse, burglary, gun possession, money laundering, and child pornography all fall under the "felony" heading. Criminal laws vary from state to state, as do criminal punishments, but felonies carry a heavy penalty: up to and including the death penalty.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are lesser crimes handled by criminal lawyers, and are punishable by county jail time under one year and/or criminal fines. Petty theft, prostitution, and vandalism are all examples of misdemeanor crimes, and criminal lawyers have specializations in almost every category. Theft lawyers, for example, work specifically on theft cases.

White Collar Crimes

White Collar Crimes are a variety of non-violent crimes that are usually committed in a business or commercial environment. Criminal lawyers that work in this area usually deal with things like embezzlement, credit card fraud, and insider trading. Most white collar crime prosecution is carried out by government lawyers with the accused defended by a criminal defense lawyer who is experienced in this type of crime.

Criminal Defense Lawyers, Criminal Lawyers, Criminal Attorneys and Criminal Defense Lawyers are Different Ways of Descibing the Same Defense Attorney

Highly Rated Lawyers at LegalMatch

View attorney profiles and see how other LegalMatch users rate attorneys that may respond to your case.